After Lodestar

New Revelations

(A/N): YAY! I published the second chapter yesterday! I'm so happy and hope that everyone likes it. In this chapter I'm going to try and move the story along by adding more dialogue because I never seem to write enough. Anyways, her goes! :)

P.S: How was everyone's Thanksgiving? I hope you ate lots of pie!!

SOPHIE P.O.V

Fitz leads me through Everglen's long hallway to the kitchen, where a group of very stressed looking elves are sitting at the enormous dining table. Grady and Edaline are holding each other closely together and engaging in quiet conversation. Alden and Della are talking with Elwin, gesturing with their hands as if arguing over something. Biana is sitting quietly, wringing her hands. And Keefe is pacing the room with an angry look in his eyes. "Hey," Fitz announces, "she's awake."
     I watch as seven heads simultaneously snap up. "Um...hi." I wince at the lame statement, but don't have much time to fret over it because soon I'm being tackle-hugged by my parents. "We're so glad you're safe," Edaline whispers. "We were starting to worry that you wouldn't wake up, kiddo," Grady adds. I smile reassuringly up at them. "Well, let's just focus on the fact that that didn't happen then."
"That is a very good idea, Miss Foster," Alden chimes in from behind Grady and Edaline. I run over to give him and Della a quick hug.
"Still can't stay away from the Keefster, huh Foster?" Keefe jokes. I know that Keefe usually cracks jokes to hide his more painful emotions. But right now I only read relief in his ice blue eyes. Yet his comment still brings heat to my face. "You wish," I say, smiling. His features suddenly take on a look of mock surprise. "Did the Mysterious Miss F just flirt with me?" He asks me, appalled. Once again, I feel my face burn up. "Keefe!" I protest, but the adults are just watching us with amusement written across their faces. Luckily, I'm saved from further embarrassment when a flurry of pink sparkles and rich dark brown hair tackles me with a hug. "Sophie!" Biana exclaims. "I'm so happy you're okay!" I hug my friend back and manage to laugh through her hair, which is basically covering my whole face.
After we pull out of our hug, I remember why I'm here in the first place. I can practically feel my smile fade as I turn to Alden and ask, "What are we going to do?"
Alden looks tired as he answers. "Sophie, your sister is currently sedated and in the guest room next to yours. I have contacted the Council about our situation and they agree that your impulsive decision to seek out your human family is excusable. However, we are at a disagreement regarding your human family." He takes a deep breath before continuing. "The Council does not feel obligated to launch a rescue mission. After what Fintan said about the potential threat posed by humans, the Council has been ignorant towards them. I'm sorry, Sophie." His defeated eyes and haunched shoulders make it clear that he's telling the truth. But that doesn't mean I'm ready to believe it.
     "Fine. If it's what they want, then let them sit back and watch," I say. The anger is evident in my tone, but I don't care. The Council has always taken more time than necessary to get a job done, and they still haven't learned their lesson. I let out a long sigh. I have to be careful, or I'm just going to blow something up again. The knot of emotions continues throbbing against my ribs. "I think it's best if I take Miss Foster home now." The voice is high and squeaky and I know that it belongs to Sandor. I watch as the seven-foot tall goblin emerges from the shadows. "Yes, it's getting late and school starts back up next week. Come on, kiddo, let's get you home," Grady agrees, extending his hand for me. I take it without hesitation, shooting one last glance at my friends. Alden and Della's eyes reflect the worry that I'm very familiar with. I see it every time I look in a mirror. But then the warm feathers of light sweep me away from reality and I open my eyes to find the vast pastures of Havenfield looming before me. Despite all that has happened today, I feel a sense of relief rush
through me, washing away the shock and grief of the recent revelations. Not to mention, I'm starving.
We walk inside and Edaline turns to me. "Sophie, I know that today has been an incredibly tiring day, so how about you go get some rest? I'll send up some slumberberry tea as well...you don't have to take it if you don't want it," she ads quickly, noticing my reaction to the mention of sedatives. "Alright, if you need me I'll be in my room." I start heading towards the stairs, but change my mind and run back to my parents. I throw my arms around them and whisper into the embrace, "thank you." Then I dash up the stair to my room, which I don't plan on leaving anytime soon.
     Once I reach my room, the entire third floor, I immediately take off my clothes and change into some comfortable pajamas. But then I decide it's probably best to take a shower as well, so I change back out of the pajamas and head for my pristine bathroom. The water is warm and feels good against my skin. My head is still swimming with the new information I've gained today. The Council is unwilling to rescue my human parents. Amy remembers. I try thinking back to the beginning of this crazy day in hopes of finding some form of comfort.
     I was sitting under Calla's tree when Fitz came to make sure I was okay. We sat in silence until he brought up that stupid favor I still owe him. And then he said something about me telling him my secret...it made me shiver just thinking about confessing my crush on him. And then he started to lean in, getting closer and...wait, Fitz tried to kiss me. I just stand in the shower as this realization tumbles around in my mind. Does he like me back? If he does, should I just tell him that I like him? But what if he doesn't? I reach out and turn off the shower handle with more force than was probably necessary. Focus, I tell myself. You have to figure out how to rescue Mom and Dad. Even though it's been almost two years since I left my life in the Lost Cities, I still think of Connor and Kate Freeman as my parents. The Foster family dinners, Amy's terrible singing, the feeling of comfort I experienced every time I came home from school. My cat and only friend, Marty, who helped me fall asleep at night. Mom, who rubbed my back when I cried. And Dad, who made me laugh on even the worst of days.

Yeah. It's hard to try and forget when you're the only one who remembers.